A reporter learned the hard way when West Ham boss Graham Potter revealed he had no interest in constantly discussing transfers.
The January window slams shut at 11pm UK time for Premier League clubs on Monday, with a flurry of moves expected before then.
AFPPotter is yet to bring through a new face since joining West Ham[/caption]
West Ham could be one of those clubs set to be active in the final days of the window having not made a single signing this month.
A striker is high on the Hammers’ priority list as summer arrival with Niclas Fullkrug and veteran Michail Antonio remain sidelined in the long term with their respective injuries.
With the pair injured, the attacking burden has fallen to the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus.
West Ham tried their luck with a £57million bid for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, but it was swiftly rejected by the Villans. Duran is now expected to join Saudi club Al Nassr.
talkSPORT understands Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has since emerged as Potter’s first choice target and the Hammers believe the pair’s time together at the Amex Stadium could give the club the edge over other interested parties.
But time is running out for the Hammers to strike a deal, prompting one reporter to ask Potter if he or the club were ‘struggling’ to find a player that fits the mould of what they’re looking for.
It sparked an interesting response from the West Ham boss.
“I wouldn’t say struggling,” Potter said.
“But again, it’s a complication of the window. I’ve said this so many times in this interview, it’s just a bit boring. I don’t know how many times I can say it to you.”
Potter asked the reporter if he was at last week’s press conference, which he confirmed.
West Ham UnitedPotter was fed up with repeated questions about the Hammers’ lack of transfer activity[/caption]
The Hammers boss replied: “It’s like Groundhog Day. I’ve said the same thing. Can’t you think of another question?”
The reporter said they could offer up another name, which led to another cutting reply from Potter.
“And I can give you the answer,” Potter said.
“What answer do you think I’m going to give him? I’m not going to speak about anybody that’s not a West Ham player.
“I’ve said that for the last three weeks. But you keep asking me the same question, I don’t understand.”
Brighton are expected to wait as long as possible before making a final decision on Ferguson, who looks likely to be made available for a loan rather than a permanent switch.
The Irishman has found playing time hard to come by under Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler, starting just twice in 14 games before he was sidelined in late December with an ankle issue.
But a reunion with Potter could be the perfect tonic to reignite the 20-year-old’s career.
Potter will hope a new striker can help kick his team into gear in the second half of the season as they look to pull further away from the relegation zone.
West Ham sit 14th in the Premier League on 27 points, 11 clear of 18th-placed Wolves and three points ahead of Tottenham.
The Hammers are next in action on Monday as Potter leads his team against former employers Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.